Frances Lunsford

The Board approved the 2026-2031 strategic plan, the Continuing Education Accountability and Integrity Plan, and licensure certificates for Birth through Kindergarten and Special Education. Additionally, the Board appointed new leadership with Pat Ashley serving as Chair and Walter Newton as Vice Chair for the 2026-2027 term. The meeting also addressed consent agenda items, including student fees and the finance report, and acknowledged the final report from the outgoing student Board of Trustees representative.

The board conducted a work session to review the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan. The session included a high-level overview of the plan's framework and foundational success factors, followed by a dot-voting exercise. Trustees provided feedback on various aspects of the plan, such as implementation flexibility, financial sustainability, resource development, and committee structure. Additionally, the board evaluated the engagement process to ensure they were adequately prepared for the upcoming vote on the strategic plan.

The Board discussed the progress of the 2026-31 strategic plan and received an update from the President regarding state and county budget processes, affordable housing initiatives, and upcoming commencement exercises. Action items approved included naming nominations and pledges for the Novo Nordisk Life Sciences Center, an HVAC project amendment, construction management recommendations for a building renovation, and the 2026-27 meeting calendar. Additionally, the Board approved various items on the consent agenda, such as continuing education fees, off-cycle curriculum changes, and a class visitation report.

The meeting included a panel discussion with economic development directors from Orange and Durham counties concerning regional economic and workforce development priorities, with input informing the College's Strategic Plan Core Team and Task Force. The President provided an update on the Affordable Housing development, noting that site clearing has commenced following the execution of the purchase agreement. Furthermore, the College was selected by Achieving the Dream to participate in the Digital Holistic Student Supports initiative. The Board unanimously approved the budget report, cycle fees for curriculum and continuing education for fiscal year 2026-27, and off-cycle fees for continuing education and curriculum for fiscal year 2025-26. Action items approved included a Health Sciences amendment, an Orange County Campus addition, candidates for 2026 Honorary Degrees (including Commencement Speaker/Student Honorary Degree recipient Parsa Zareiesfandabadi, Retiree Mary Anne Grabarek, and Community Partner Steve Farmer), and a recommendation for Building 9 architectural partners.

Key discussions and actions from the Board of Trustees meeting included updates on the affordable housing property closing scheduled for mid-December. Progress continues on the café renovation, which the Board named the John Burness Commons, and the exterior courtyard project. Enrollment for Spring 2026 is trending positively, and the campus climate is reported as positive. Student Government Association President reported on a successful fall conference and outlined spring plans, including hosting a Town Hall. Committee reports covered Student Success and Workforce & Economic Development, noting SACSCOC approval for several existing programs (Social and Human Services AAS, Introduction to Social and Human Services Certificate, Construction Management Certificate). Pending SACSCOC approval, three new Information Technology (IT) offerings were proposed, including an Artificial Intelligence AAS degree. The Board unanimously approved the budget report, Continuing Education off-cycle fees, and capital replacement actions for the HVAC systems in both the West Collins Building and the East Collins Building.